noun
lifeguard
LYF-gahrd
noun
1
A trained person, usually a strong swimmer, employed to watch over and rescue swimmers at a beach or pool.
"The lifeguard blew her whistle when the current got too strong."
"He trained for months to become a certified lifeguard."
How to Use Lifeguard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose job is to keep swimmers safe and rescue them if needed.
Common pairings
on duty as a lifeguard
lifeguard tower
certified lifeguard
Word Forms
lifeguards plural
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The _____ blew her whistle when the current got too strong.
Etymology
A compound of life + guard, originally modelled on the Dutch lijfgarde ("bodyguard") before shifting to its modern water-safety meaning.